Practice can't help Baylor

Baylor was barred from playing any non-conference games as part of NCAA penalties for numerous violations under former coach Dave Bliss.

The Bears' rough edges, even after an NCAA-record 89 days of preseason practice, were apparent. While playing defense, Baylor's Curtis Jerrells had his back to the play and didn't see the ball come loose. It rolled through his legs into the hands of a Tech player. Later, Henry Dugat got careless on a breakaway and missed a dunk.

Coach reprimanded

College of Charleston coach Tom Herrion was reprimanded by the Southern Conference for complaining about the officiating after a recent loss at Georgia Southern.

Geoff Cabe, the league's interim commissioner, said the league has a policy regarding coaches who criticize officials.

"It's horrible that they dictated the game. Horrible," Herrion had said.

He apologized Wednesday.

Free throws

Texas Judge Ralph Strother denied former Baylor player Carlton Dotson's request to appeal his murder conviction in the 2003 shooting death of teammate Patrick Dennehy. Dotson is serving 35 years. . . . Arizona sophomore swingman Jawann McClellan was reinstated after regaining his academic eligibility. . . . Southern Mississippi forward Shaun Simpson has been declared academically ineligible and will not return to the team. . . . Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, who has helped raise millions for cancer research, will hold his Basket Ball on April 29 at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y.